More

Adelaide United FC v Málaga CF

Reds to host La Liga club Málaga

Adelaide United FC is excited to confirm they will host La Liga side, Málaga in an Exhibition Game on Friday, 25 July at Adelaide Oval as part of the 2014 LFP World Club Challenge.

Málaga, known as the Los Boquerones, will be hitting the shores of Australia for the first time in its 110-year history It will also be the first a match of this caliber will be played at the refurbished Adelaide Oval.

The team currently plays in Spain's La Liga, where they finished 11th last season. They won the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2002 and qualified for the following season's UEFA Cup reaching the quarterfinal stages. They also qualified for the 2012/13 UEFA Champions League, where they were quarterfinalists.

With the Spanish side committed to bringing its strongest possible squad to Australia, Adelaide United Chairman Greg Griffin is thrilled by the prospect of entertaining such as side.

“We are delighted to announce that we will play La Liga powerhouse Málaga in an Exhibition Game at Adelaide Oval on Friday 25 July 2014 as part of the 2014 LFP World Club Challenge,” said Griffin.

“Málaga is the sixth most watched Club in Spain and its recent performances in the UEFA Champions League are testament to the quality of this side. Adelaide is fortunate to be able to welcome a Club of this stature to play at our new world class stadium.

We are hopeful that a strong performance in this game will further enhance Adelaide United's prospects of being invited to play as the representative Club of Oceania in the 2015 LFP World Cup Challenge, which would see other Spanish Clubs playing in Adelaide in a tournament environment.”

Gomabu said the timing of the fixture was perfect for the Reds and will use this match as a perfect pre-season test.

“This will be a very good test and great preparation for our cup game against Wellington Phoenix,” said Gombau.

“It-s a great opportunity for us and for the football fans of Australia, because a team from La Liga is coming, and this league is one of the best in the world.

“We will be playing in a new stadium, and we hope that our fans will come to see and support us. It will be the perfect opportunity to see what Adelaide United has to offer for the 2014/15 season.”